"We are in, as a community, economically worse shape than we have been in a significant period of time," Shoemaker said. "Probably worse than it was during the Great Recession of 2009-2010. It seems to be hitting us in the most devastating way right now."

Shoemaker said that similar freezes were imposed by the provincial and federal governments for years after the 2009-2010 recession.

CouncillorFata argued that salaries account for 53 per cent of the city's operating budget and he said the freeze should apply to all city staff.

But Mayor Christian Provenzano countered that collective agreements must be respected.

"It is unlawful to try to apply this to unionized staff," the mayor told Fata.

"Our community isn't growing....it is contracting," the mayor said.

"I don't think City Hall can be insulated from the challenges that are in the community."

"My concern is that our spending, because of our human resource cost, is going to outpace our ability to pay for it."

On the issue of an independent review of the city's public works department, Ward 5 CouncillorMarchyBruni said that there should first be round-table discussions with city staff to come up with cost-saving ideas.

Based on reports from another city board, CouncillorBruni estimated that it would cost between $200,000 and $300,000 to conduct a third-party review of public works.

"I think we have to get our experts, which is our staff, a chance to come back to us," Bruni said.

Mayor Provenzano challenged Bruni's estimate of the consulting cost.

"It's always positive to have an independent set of eyes look at something," the mayor said.

Ward 6 Councillor Ross Romano said that public works was one of the most co-operative city departments when cost-cutting ideas were sought last year.

"This is privatization by the back door," said Ward 1's Steve Butland.

Today's Poll

Should the city be working on a bid for Amazon's new headquarters?

view related story Yes. We should not miss this opportunity Yes. But let's not spend too much time on it. This is a long shot No. This is a pipe dream. Let's not waste our time on something that's not going to happen No. We don't need Amazon in the Sault